Hi Sylvia,

When were you due to start the PhD at the uni you are turning down? If it's next week, then I can understand why you feel anxious about this situation. However, I'm assuming it won't be until September which should leave them ample time to find someone else to fill the PhD vacancy (there are lots of people out there seeking bursaries).

At the end of the day, go to the Uni which you think you would be happiest at (and working with a supervisor who you like, trust and feel you can work with/establish a good relationship with).

As for turning down a place, just be very polite about it. Try to have a face-to-face meeting to discuss why you are going, or if this isn't possible call them. After speaking to them, I would also send an email thanking them for the opportunity and wishing them all the best (... it's always good to part on good terms, as in academia, your paths will cross again!).

The people I know did start off on the higher end of 'lecturer' salary (approx £30K), but they've also been very focused/motivated which means publications (which are what counts!), so they've managed to progress at a good rate.

Doing a PhD isn't easy or fun - put simply - it's bloomin' hard work! However, if this is DEFINITELY the direction you want to move in then go for it (but make sure you get a fully funded bursary, or else - and unless you have loads of money to support yourself for 3/4 years - consider doing it part-time).

Also, make sure you have a good supervisor ... this makes all the difference, and as your relationship progresses, they will do all they can to help you (both with the PhD and trying to secure your first job in academia).

PinkNeuron - isn't that 'you're as old as the man you feel'???

You are never too old to do a PhD! If you have a good work ethic (i.e. treat the PhD like a 'job'), and are determined to get that bit of paper, then do it. And yes ... I've known lots of people who have landed their first jobs in academia in their late-thirties!

CC - this is a rubbish situation you are in, but as 404 advised ... TALK TO YOUR DIRECTOR OF STUDIES/HEAD OF DEPARTMENT.

You can't rely on other people getting you through this PhD (as you've said yourself, you will need references from your supervisor in the future and if things don't go well in the viva - which your supervisor, I'm assuming, would be present for - than you are putting yourself into a situation where people will think 'well, you've only got yourself to blame for submitting without your sups ok'). Ultimately, you have much more to lose than your supervisor - don't forget that!

Don't try to work this out yourself ... talk to someone senior!!!

Not meaning to dismiss what Vince has said, but forget about 'satisfaction' gained from writing your thesis. The bigger risk is ... if your extern did pick up on this error, would it mean major rewrite!

Talk to your supervisor about this and take their lead (... I'd be inclined to make the changes now - if the supervisor says it's necessary - rather than falling down at the final hurdle!).

Hi Mlis,

I'm writing up to - so you have my sympathies.

You have to 'push through' these moments, otherwise the PhD will never get done. Try thinking 'one word down on paper, one word closer to finishing'. Also, set yourself deadlines for when you want to have chapters written by (i.e. allow a month or two for each chapter), and then take a week off after you've done this (i.e. a 'treat') so you can recharge your batteries. Of course, is absolutely nothing is happening (i.e. you've sat there for hours and not a word is down on paper), go out for a brisk walk and come back to it.

Unfortunately, nobody else can motivate you into getting on with the work - it's all about having to be strict with yourself, disciplined, and just hoping that the sacrifices you make now will pay off in the future!

For me ... absolutely NO WAY!

During interim periods ...

Go shopping for nice stuff for me, go home for a few days/catch up with friends, watch nonsense tv (so the brain can switch off), do bits of reading here and there ... remember, people usually have their 'AHA' moments when they aren't doing work - so it's good to stop for a bit and take some time off.

What you are feeling is totally normal ... welcome to the life of being a PhD student!!!

You'll learn to deal with the stress in your own way (some people exercise, I tend to eat lots of chocolate and watch crap daytime tv as an escape). Just make sure you don't end up sitting in a corner and rocking (sadly, I've been known to do this to - a sign things are not good!).

O.Stoll ...

Just out of curiousty ... have you completed your PhD? If so, did it 'pay off' in the end (i.e. did you manage to get a career you enjoyed)?

O.Stoll

Although I take on board some of the points you are making ...

... unfortunately, most of us live in the 'real' world and have to think about careers (i.e. money!). Also, doing a PhD just to ultimately attain the title 'Dr' is - in my opinion - totally the wrong reason for doing a PhD (and makes no sense in the context of your argument, as this title only does have real worth within academic circles/industry related jobs).

Yes, completing a PhD (and passing) is an achievement in and of itself. However, let's keep this 'real' and remember that - at the end of the day - this is just a PhD we are talking about!

What's a weekend???!

Hi Cowgirl,

My advice is ...

Don't feel obligated to take on the PhD if it's not the right thing for you. Undertaking a PhD shouldn't be taken lightly (it's hard work and a lot of stress!!!), and if you aren't ready to do one at this stage in your life, then I'm sure your potential supervisor will understand.

Having said that, PhD's can (sometimes) be a useful qualification to have even if you don't want to work in academia. However, only you really know how useful one would be for your future intended career plans.

Why don't you start looking for jobs - keep the PhD offer open for the moment - and see how you feel after you've gauged what the job situation is like 'out there'?

Ultimately, only you know what is the best option for you.

I would talk to your supervisor about this and see what they advise (if you have a good relationship with them, and trust their opinion, I'd go with what they suggest).

Remember, a PhD is 'only' a research exercise ... and from personal experience, whatever you write about will inevitably bore you to tears at points and has to be treated as 'work' (otherwise you'll never finish!). Having said that, it does help if you are (slightly) engaged with what you are study, but I'm trying to emphasise that it whatever you study chances are ... it won't maintain your interest for 3 plus years (not most of the time anyway).

Not meaning to put a dampner on things but ... how can you be sure that nobody else has used the same archive source for similar work to what you are doing? (I'm assuming this archive source has been available to other researchers?) Having said that, isn't it your interpretation of the materials which determines your chapter anyway?

Tell me to shut up if I'm talking nonsense.